The 5 Best Oral Care Products

Keeping your mouth healthy requires more than one cleaning every six months. Even if you regularly focus on your oral care, a good toothbrush and toothpaste along with a dedicated flossing routine is just the foundation of oral health. Here are five of the best oral care products you may not know you need.

Gum Therapy
Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, depending on how you look at it), gum disease is often painless, so its advance can go undetected for some time. Your family dentist may offer a procedure called scaling and root planning to help reverse the damage done by gum - or periodontal - disease. During this procedure, your hygienist will clean between teeth and gums down to the root, so you may need anesthetic. Since it’s a non-surgical intervention, it’s a good step to try first.

Save a Tooth
Getting a tooth knocked out is hardly a run-of-the-mill occurrence, but should it happen to you, Save-A-Tooth gives it the best chance of being re-implanted successfully. Especially if you live with young children, who’s rough and tumble ways heighten the chances of this happening, having Save-A-Tooth on hand can reduce the dental costs associated with getting a false tooth by upping the chances that the real one survives.

Bridges
Missing a tooth can cause problems speaking and eating, as well as jaw strain when your mouth has to work too hard to compensate for the missing tooth. Bridges correct tooth gaps by attaching to the teeth on either side and filling them with sturdy, natural-looking teeth. Bridges improve the health of surrounding teeth and jaws, and since only a dentist can remove them, they won’t fall out.

Flouride Gel
Akin to the fluoride treatments you receive at the dentist’s office, brush-on fluoride gel allows you to give your teeth the same anti-cavity protection at home. It is intended for use after you brush your teeth, and not as a toothpaste replacement. Ask your hygienist for home fluoride options at your next visit.

Invisalign Braces
Straight teeth result in more than a pretty smile; they also reduce the chances of tooth decay and loss, gum disease and jaw problems, among others. When you’re older, however, few things sound less appealing than a mouth full of metal, especially if you work with professionals. Instead, try Invisalign, which straightens your teeth without people knowing. While targeted cleaning and flossing do help, dentists recommend straightening teeth when possible.

Dental Hygiene Month - Chew!

Can Chewing Gum Really Help Prevent Cavities?

Chewing gum can be fun, but did you know that it can also help you with your oral care? Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for twenty minutes after eating can reduce the risk of tooth decay. 

How Does It Work? 

Bacteria form on your teeth, and the longer they are there the more likely they are to secrete an acid. This acid is what causes cavities and tooth decay. Brushing and flossing is one way to rid these bacteria from your mouth, but there is another way too — saliva. 

Saliva is capable of washing away food remnants and other debris that are in your mouth, thereby neutralizing acids to help prevent erosion of tooth enamel and getting rid of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Your saliva also contains nutrients such as calcium, fluoride and phosphates; these nutrients work together to strengthen tooth enamel. 

The best way to increase the flow of saliva in your mouth is by chewing, which is where the gum comes in. With each bite your mouth will produce more saliva, and the more saliva there is the more debris and bacteria that will get pushed out of your mouth. 

Look For the ADA Seal 

Don't reach for your nearest packet of bubble gum thinking it will keep cavities at bay. You want to make sure the gum you pick is sugar free. Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, so chewing sugary gum would be counterproductive.

The easiest way to pick a gum that's not going to end up causing you more problems than it solves is to look for the American Dental Association seal on the package. The ADA tests gum to make sure that it is good for gums and prevents plaque acids from building up. The organization only approves gums that contain Xylitol, a natural sweetener, rather than sugar.

Gums that don't have the ADA seal aren't as effective. Be sure to ask your family dentist if you are unsure about a gum's quality. Most dentists have a few brands of their own that they know work well for oral hygiene.

Keep Brushing

Remember that gum isn't a substitute for brushing and flossing. There are some bacteria that gum can't take out, especially when it settles in between the teeth. It is important to continue brushing twice per day with fluoride toothpaste and to use floss and mouthwash for those hard to reach areas. Use gum along with your daily routine to keep your mouth clean and acid free.

If you have any questions about your hygiene then consult your dentist. It's good to take an active role in your oral hygiene to prevent long term problems. 

Dental Hygiene Month - Rinse!

This week in Dental Hygiene Month we are focusing on the third step in the Daily 4: Rinse!

Mouthwash is a great dental hygiene tool that can help to prevent oral health issues like gingivitis. When combined with the powers of flossing and brushing, mouthwash can help to effectively fight against tooth decay and to promote healthy teeth and gums. Using mouthwash with brushing and flossing, can also reduce bacteria, plaque, and prevent gingivitis. Read on to discover. Below are some of the best brands and additional benefits of using mouthwash on a regular basis.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

• Freshens breath – Mouthwash is a great dental tool because it can help to temporarily reduce bad breath. This powerful rinsing aid helps to kill the bacteria that are associated with bad breath. 
• Prevents plaque build-up – Mouthwash has been known to help keep plaque from building up on your gums, the surface of your teeth, and in-between your teeth. 
• Removes particles – Did you know that mouthwash can be used after you've eaten to help remove food particles? That's right—using mouthwash as part of your daily dental hygiene program can help to ensure that loose food particles are thoroughly removed from your mouth.
• Aid in the prevention of cavities – One of mouthwash's best features is its ability to aid in the prevention of cavities. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can also help to strengthen your enamel.

Best Brands of Mouthwash

There are several good brands of mouthwash that are available for public purchase. They all come in a variety of flavors and types such as alcohol-free. Below are a few: 

• Closys - is alcohol and flavor free and includes a flavor add in so you can control how intense the flavor is if it all. This brand is available for purchase in our office so you do not have to make a separate trip to the store.
• Listerine -  is one of the top recommended and dentist approved mouthwashes. It is a "total care" product that fights gum disease and tooth decay.
• Rembrandt - is an alcohol-free mouthwash. It contains hydrogen peroxide to help fight plaque bacteria that can cause gingivitis.
• Scope - is a popular basic mouthwash that can greatly reduce bacterial growth. Unlike some of its competitors, it doesn't contain fluoride.
• Crest Pro-health - is a good dental mouthwash that can be used to fight bacteria for overall dental health.

It is important to remember that mouthwash is an addition to your daily oral health routine and is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. However, it is a good idea to keep a travel mouthwash with you if you are out and about and need a quick fix!

Through regular brushing, flossing, and the use of a proven mouthwash, you can help to keep your mouth, gums, and teeth healthy and beautiful. If you are interested in learning more about good dental hygiene practices call your local Katy, Texas dental experts today at (281)646-8888. We would be happy to answer any of your questions, make an appointment for a regular dental check-up, or schedule you for a whitening consultation today. 

Dental Hygiene Month - Flossing!

For National Hygiene Month, this week we are going to highlight one of the most encouraged hygiene advice by dental hygienists but perhaps the least followed of the hygiene practices: flossing! 

Flossing for Optimal Dental Health

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once daily for optimal dental health. That is the minimum. The best practice is to floss every time right before brushing teeth.

Who should floss?

With the help of a parent, every child over the age of 2 years old should floss. Everyone else should floss, too. Flossing removes food particles stuck between teeth, but more important, it removes plaque. Plaque develops on the surface of the teeth in places where a toothbrush cannot reach. Removal of plaque is the main reason for flossing.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a substance that sticks to teeth, creating an environment where bacteria love to grow. At first it is soft, but in about two days, it begins to harden. By 10 days, it turns into a very tough substance called tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove and provides the perfect breeding area for bacteria. Tartar is best removed by a professional dental cleaning.

Plaque + Tartar = Gum Disease and More Cavities

Bacteria between the teeth and under the gum line can lead to gingivitis, or gum disease. Bacteria are what cause caries, also known as cavities. When bacteria invade a healthy tooth, they attack the inner, softer part, making a hole (a cavity) in the tooth. Left untreated, the bacteria continue to eat away at the inner part of the tooth all the way down to the root and beyond until the tooth is essentially destroyed. When the root becomes infected, this is very painful.

How to floss?

Pull 18 to 24 inches of dental floss from the floss dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers wrapping the majority of the floss on your left hand finger. Hold the floss tightly around each tooth in a C shape; move the floss back and forth in a push-pull motion and up and down against the side of each tooth. Unwrap the floss from your left finger onto your right finger so there is a new, clean area of floss for the next tooth.



When is the best time to floss?

Many people floss three times per day. They will have the best results. Daily flossing is essential. Studies by the ADA show that elementary-school-age children who had a professional flossing — the kind a parent could also do — once each day, at school, had a 40 percent reduction in cavities. This is an amazing difference — close to half of cavities prevented!

Tips:

• Keep some extra floss or floss picks in your purse or at your desk in your office to use after lunch.
• Set an alert on your phone to remind you to floss.
• Pair flossing with another activity. For example, some people brush their teeth in the shower. Put your floss in there too!
• If flossing just seems too hard, get floss picks. They are at almost every grocery store and pharmacy. They are easy to use and handy to keep in your purse or wallet.
• See your progress! Floss regularly for a while and you will be able to see how healthy your gums get. This should be motivation enough to keep up the habit!

If you have any questions, or would like extra advice, give us a call at 281-646-8888 or schedule an appointment with your hygienist!

Happy Flossing!

Dental Hygiene Month - Brushing!

Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!

This week, we are going to focus on proper brushing techniques.

The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of the brush should fit the mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

The proper brushing technique is to:

1. Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums.
2. Gently move the brush in a circular motion in short (tooth wide) strokes.
3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth
4. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and brush with up and down strokes.
5. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh!

We recommend a electric toothbrush for optimal results. Not only does it make your job easier by doing most of the work for you, most brands turn off when you press too hard. Pressing too hard can cause gum recession and lead to tooth sensitivity and expensive gum treatments.

Tips:

• Set a timer and make sure you use a full 2 minutes to clean your teeth thoroughly.
• Keep a spare toothbrush and travel toothpaste in your bag or briefcase just in case you forget to brush or end up taking an impromptu trip! (the free toothbrush and toothpaste you get at your dental cleaning would be perfect!)
• Don't neglect your gums! Plaque tends to build up between the tooth and the gums and if left there can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Invest in an electric toothbrush! Many people find that is worth it. You can find quality electric toothbrushes for as little as $20 to $120 depending on the features you desire. They come with their own timer, some connect to blue-tooth to map your progress on your phone, and some even light up when you are pressing too hard.

Ask your hygienist to give you feedback on your specific needs at your next dental cleaning. If you do not have a routine cleaning and exam on your calendar, give us a call at (281)646-8888!

Check back next week for flossing strategies and tips!

Gum Disease: Effects and Prevention

Healthy Gums Mean Healthier Teeth

Healthy teeth rely upon healthy gums. When gums become diseased, they can negatively affect the bone that supports the teeth and cause teeth to become loose and fall out. Unfortunately, gum disease is often painless so it can progress before it is detected. This is why proper oral care and regular visits to the family dentist are imperative. Gum disease occurs in three stages:

1.      Gingivitis
• When light bleeding and tenderness occur during brushing and flossing, this can be indicative of Gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and happens when the gums become inflamed because of plaque and tartar buildup at the gum line. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral care, including professional cleaning and regular visits to the family dentist.
2.      Periodontitis
• When Gingivitis is left untreated, periodontitis can occur. This happens when the gums form a pocket beneath the gum line. This gum disease negatively affects the fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth in place. When periodontitis develops, the family dentist will treat it in his or her office, but will also instruct patients on how to improve their oral care at home in order to prevent further damage from occurring.
3.      Advanced Periodontitis
• Advanced Periodontitis is the stage of gum disease that can have very grave consequences. This is the final stage of the disease that destroys supporting bones and fibers and causes the teeth to loosen and sometimes fall out. Advanced Periodontitis requires aggressive oral care.
4. 
   

Signs of Gum Disease

• Tender, red, puffy or swollen gums
• Bleeding during flossing or brushing
• Receding gum line
• Separation of gums from teeth
• Pus within the gum line
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Changes in how the teeth fit together when biting

Prevention of Gum Disease

Gum disease can adversely affect one’s overall health. Regularly scheduled visits to the family dentist and proper oral care are the first steps in achieving and maintaining healthy gums. Eating healthful foods and avoiding sugar can also play an important role in keeping the gums in top shape. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully, and to use diligence in brushing and flossing each day. Even with due diligence, a professional cleaning by a trained dental hygienist should take place twice a year. The hygienist can make sure that the areas beneath the gum line are kept clean by removing tartar that builds up over time. If necessary, he or she can plane the roots of the teeth to prevent tartar buildup there as well.


If you are due for your regular dental cleaning or if you are concerned about gum disease, give us a call at (281)646-8888 or request an appointment on our website!

Back to School!

Its that time of year again! If your children dread dental care both at home and at the family dentist, there are a few tricks to keep them interested in maintaining clean teeth.

Establish An Oral Health Routine

One of the best ways to encourage kids to fit in brushing and flossing after the return to school is to develop a teeth cleaning routine. Designate specific times in the morning and evening for your children to brush and floss. Make them aware that failing to brush and floss on a regular basis will leave deposits of plaque and a sticky film of bacteria and food particles on and around the teeth that can cause cavities and gingivitis. Twenty-five percent of children under the age of five already have cavities.

Oftentimes, it helps for the parent to participate in these activities with his or her children. Kids will be much more enthusiastic about oral health care if their parents are brushing and flossing right alongside them. Cleaning your teeth in the presence of your children will also reinforce proper brushing and flossing techniques. You'll be able to spot their inefficiencies and teach them how to properly clean their teeth instead of waiting for them to be told by the family dentist.

Proper Flossing Technique

Focus on showing your children the proper steps in maintaining oral care. Each evening, your children should thoroughly floss with a very long string of floss. You might even want to encourage them to use two pieces of floss, one for the bottom teeth and one for the top teeth. This way, they won't run the risk of transferring bits of food and plaque from one tooth or gum area to another. Always reinforce that they should never use the same part of the floss to clean between their teeth.

Rinsing and Brushing

After flossing, kids should clean their mouths with mouthwash or water to remove even more food particles. Rinsing after flossing also helps the teeth retain fluoride that is necessary for dental health. After rinsing, the kids should then move on to brushing. Teach them to brush all the way to where the teeth meet the gums. This should be performed in small circular motions and at a 45-degree angle.

Cleaning the Tongue

The final part of the daily oral care process is the scraping of the tongue with a tongue scraper or with their toothbrush. Don't just tell your kids to do it. Explain to them how important a tongue scraper is. It will remove bacteria on the tongue and will also help to prevent bad breath.

These guidelines have been suggested in different order from different people. In the end, all that matters is that each step is done in whatever order recommended for your child's optimal dental health. For more personal instructions for your child's oral care routine or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 281-646-8888 or request an appointment online!

National Fresh Breath Day!

August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day! Today is a day to focus on oral health and care. We all enjoy a good cup of coffee or an extra garlic-y pasta dish but our friends might not enjoy our breath afterwords. It is easy to grab a sugary after dinner mint or chew a piece of gum but there are a few things you can do daily to manage your breath odor. In honor of Fresh Breath Day, here are few tips to keep your breath smelling fresh:

1. Don't forget your vegetables!
• Eating water-rich vegetables, such as leafy greens, can help keep your breath smelling clean. This is because the high water content helps with saliva production which reduces the ability of bad smelling bacteria to form in your mouth. 
2. A clean tongue is a happy tongue!
• There are many bacteria traps in our mouths and one big one is our tongues. Gunk gets trapped by the tiny buds causing bad breath. Ask your dentist for suggestions on tongue scrappers or simply brush your tongue (especially the back) with your tooth brush. For those of us with a sensitive gag reflex, try keeping your mouth mostly closed when you brush your tongue. A closed mouth naturally engages our swallowing reflex rather than our gagging reflex.
3. Bring the essentials with you EVERYWHERE!
• Always carry around a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss (and even a tongue scraper) just in case! You never know when a friend will invite you to an Italian restaurant to split a deep dish pizza with extra garlic. Instead of masking the odor with a mint, get rid of bad breath with the right tools for the job.
4. Drink more water!
• As previously mentioned, water encourages saliva production and discourages bacteria build up. Unfortunately, many of us do not get enough water throughout the day. So kill bad breath and dehydration all at once! Keep a bottle of water at your desk or close at hand all day long. When you feel thirsty, don't just take a sip. Count to ten while you drink and when the bottle is empty fill it up again. This will help you get enough water all day long and encourage fresher breath!
5. Say "no" to tobacco!
• Just don't do it. Nothing about tobacco is good for you or your breath.
6. Spend some time with your dentist!
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams about every 6 months to maintain optimal dental health. If bad breath is a frequent issue, let your dentist know! It could be a serious issue like periodontal disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist can also give you other recommendations of rinses and toothpastes for your particular needs.

Have more questions and need more answers? Give us a call and make an appointment with one of our wonderful dentists and dental hygienists! (281)646-8888 Happy National Fresh Breath Day!

The Ins & Outs of Fluoride

The Importance of Fluoride

What can fluoride do for your dental health? Fluoride is an important part of preventative dental maintenance. It wards off dental cavities by allowing your teeth to become stronger against acids in the mouth. These mouth acids are caused by plaque bacteria which become mixed with sugar. When this happens, vital minerals that the teeth need to stay strong are diminished. This process, called demineralization, leads to tooth decay if the minerals are not replenished.

Fluoride for Children

Fluoride not only repairs the surface damage of the enamel, it strengthens developing teeth as well. According to Web MD, when fluoride is given to children younger than six, the fluoride actually becomes a part of the healthy development of their permanent teeth. They explain further by saying that it is important for children to receive topical fluoride treatments from 6 months to 16 years of age.

 

Fluoride Treatments

There are several groups of patients which may benefit the most from fluoride treatments performed at their family dentist. Oral care specialists have fluoride treatments in their offices with much higher concentrations than are available over the counter. If you or someone you know has the following conditions, it may be especially beneficial getting fluoride treatments from the family dentist:

• Those who already have gum disease,
• Individuals who have had cavities before,
• People suffering from dry mouth conditions,
• Dental patients who have braces, bridges, or crowns.

Fluoride treatments are typically covered by insurance for children 1 or 2 times a year and are an affordable addition to adult cleanings as well.

Fluoride and Safety

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in water and different types of foods. Many people wonder about the safety of fluoride in their water supply. City drinking water generally is not at risk of having too much fluoride. Higher levels of natural fluoride are found more often in well water. Is fluoride completely safe? According to Web MD, fluoride is safe when used at the dose intended. However, fluoride can be toxic when ingested in high doses. For this reason, keeping fluoride products out of the reach of little hands is an important precaution. However, used responsibly as an appropriate part of an oral care regimen, fluoride can be both beneficial and safe.

Ready for Fluoride?

Ask your dentist or dental hygienist what options are right for you! They might recommend that you have a fluoride treatment in the office or they might suggest a few brands of tooth pastes that contain fluoride for daily use. The perfect time to ask is at your next dental cleaning. Give your teeth some TLC and request an appointment or give us a call at 281-646-8888.

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/fluoride-treatment